Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) runs against the Kansas City Chiefs in an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Ran on: 11-05-2011
Michael Bush has excelled as a backup for Darren McFadden.
Ran on: 11-05-2011
Michael Bush has excelled as a backup for Darren McFadden.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) runs against the...

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The Raiders' Michael Bush runs the ball down the field during the first half of the Oakland Raiders vs. New Orleans Saints game on Sunday, August 28, 2011 in Oakland, Calif. Final Score: Saints: 40 - Raiders 20.

"No doubt. You know when you play the Raiders, you're going to play a physical, up-front team that's going to pound it at you running the ball," Fox said. "That's why they're second in the league in rushing."

Bush has spent his four years in the league spelling his good friend McFadden and will go do so again Sunday, as McFadden is still trying to put his full weight on his sprained foot. Last game, Bush came in for an injured McFadden and had an uneven game - he ran for 99 yards but failed to score on four straight runs from inside the 5-yard line.

He said his approach doesn't change when he starts, and this will be his 11th for the Raiders.

"It's all the same," Bush said. "I just know when it's my turn to play, I need to take care of my opportunities. ... It's not the first time I have been down this road, but it's a good thing. It's bad that Darren got hurt, but the coach believes in me and I just have to keep the offense rolling."

Whether it's McFadden or Bush, Raiders coach Hue Jackson is a strong believer in pounding the ball. Oakland (4-3) is one of only four teams in the NFL with more rushing attempts than passing attempts.

Bush has split the first-team reps at practice with rookie Taiwan Jones, and while the rookie speedster will be a nice change-of-pace back, expect Bush to be the bell cow against the Broncos.

Bush has 600 yards on 134 carries (4.5 average) and four touchdowns in 10 career starts for the Raiders (who are 4-6 in those games). Last year, they were 2-1 as Bush had 104 and 137 yards, respectively, in wins over the Chargers and Chiefs but only 47 in a 17-9 loss to the 49ers.

It's no secret that Bush, a free agent next year, sees himself as a starter, but he has handled himself well as the No. 2 guy.

"He's in a tough spot," Jackson said. "He plays behind arguably in my opinion one of the best running backs in this league. But Bush is a really, really good player himself. It's good when you have two of them. In case one can't go, you have one you can lean on."

The Broncos (2-5) are giving up just 3.86 yards per carry, good for eighth-best in the league - but they should be ready for a long night. The 245-pound Bush averages 4.2 yards per carry on runs 1 through 15, and 6.0 after his 15th carry, according to STATS.

"After defenders hit him once or twice, they don't want to hit him again," center Samson Satele said, laughing. "We are sorry Darren is out, but we are going to be just fine with Mike."

Briefly: Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) was able to kick some Friday, and Jackson said, "I think there's a good chance that we're going to be OK." If not, he has Dave Rayner - who kicked against the Chiefs - on speed dial. ... Linebacker Rolando McClain (ankle) practiced for the first time in two weeks and should be able to play.

Time to step up

Season stats for Darren McFadden and Michael Bush:

Name

Car

Yds

Avg

TD

McFadden

113

614

5.4

4

Bush

60

237

4.0

3

By the numbers

-- The Raiders were 2-1 in games McFadden did not start in 2010.

-- The Raiders were shut out by the Chiefs two weeks ago when McFadden was injured on the first series.

-- The Raiders are 7-2 since the beginning of 2008 when Bush gets at least 15 carries.

-- Bush has averaged 103.8 yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry in those games.

-- Bush scored at least one rushing TD in each of the wins; none in the two losses.